Diverse Field Experiences
UNF provides a comprehensive curriculum, which prepares candidates with the skills and knowledge required to address the academic needs of DHH students in a variety of educational settings. Practicum experiences take place at the Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind, Clarke Schools for Hearing and Speech-Jacksonville, and district schools throughout Northeast Florida – including Nassau, Clay, Duval, and Saint Johns. Additionally, several methods courses include required practical components, such as EHD 4290 (Differentiated Reading Assessment and Instruction for DHH Students) which takes place in a local elementary school where we host the UNF Deaf Education Reading Buddies program. Teacher candidates are matched with deaf and hard of hearing students to provide literacy instruction weekly for the semester.
In addition to diverse practicum experiences throughout the first year and a half of the program, UNF offers both local and distance internship opportunities in the final semester of the program. Students with a 3.25 GPA or higher may have the opportunity to complete an internship outside of Northeast Florida, including outside of the state of Florida. In the past teacher candidates have completed internship experiences in New York, Georgia, and Illinois, as well as Tampa, St. Petersburg, Tallahassee, Orlando, Okeechobee, and Tallahassee.
If you are interested in completing a distance internship, you are encourage to talk with program faculty as early as possible during your studies to begin making arrangements. You must inform program faculty by completing this interest survey no later than one year before your internship will begin. Additionally, the Application for Distance Internship is due on the fourth Friday of the semester preceding the semester of your internship. This is the same day the Application for Internship must be submitted to OASIS.
Student quotes
"Internship is such a crucial part of the college experience for all future educators. You have the opportunity to plan daily lessons, practice classroom management, and connect with actual students. Especially for teachers of d/Deaf and hard of hearing students, it is important to recognize the need for qualified educators across the nation. Therefore, the option to complete a distance internship is incredibly valuable. While living at home as a distance intern, I was able to secure a local teaching position just days after completing my internship and graduating from the Deaf Education program. I couldn't be more excited to start my career in my hometown! Also, I am forever indebted to all of the knowledgeable professors at UNF for guiding me towards success in the Deaf Education field."
-Shelby Watson, Spring 2018
